Method and apparatus for forming fitting covers

ABSTRACT

Abrasive means are employed to shape covers for conduit fittings from blocks of insulation material, illustratively foam plastic or fiberglas. The covers are formed in half sections and are employed in pairs; and Apparatus for use in a system of forming insulation for pipe fittings such as elbow and T-sections, the apparatus including a work support and a rotatable shaping element projecting thereabove, in which a block of insulation material is moved against the shaping element in a controlled path of travel.

United States Patent lnventors Dillard Breeding deceased, late ofNashville, Tenn.

by Frieda J. Breeding, Executrix Nashville, Tenn.

June 3, 1968 Apr. 13, 1971 Breeding Insulation Company, Inc. Nashville,Tenn.

Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMINGFITTING COVERS 4 Claims, 18 Drawing Figs.

us. Cl 51/3, 5 1/72. 51/96 Int. Cl B24b 7/00, B24b 9/00 Field of Search51/3, 72, 96, 98.5

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Hanrahan et al.

Hunziker Maddox Cooney Beugler Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr.Attorney-Robert G. McMorrow ABSTRACT: Abrasive means are employed toshape covers for conduit fittings from blocks of insulation material,illustratively foam plastic or fiberglas. The covers are formed in halfsections and are employed in pairs; and

Apparatus for use in a system of forming insulation for pipe fittingssuch as elbow and T-sections, the apparatus including a work support anda rotatable shaping element projecting thereabove, in which a block ofinsulation material is moved against the shaping element in a controlledpath of travel.

Patented April 13, 1971 3 Sheets-Shoot 1 INVENTOR. BQEED/NG,

D/LLAED A TTOE/VEY.

Patented A ril 13, 1971 3,574,972

5 Shuts-Shoot 2 IN V EN TOR. 0/1 A 410 52550//\/ 6:

W WW.

Patented April 13, 1971 3 Shuts-Shoat 3 PIC-F. 14.

FIG.

zza 240 232 INVENTOR. BREED/(VG,

D/L L 420 FIG. 18.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING FITTING COVERS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to thefabrication of insulating covers for pipe fittings of various forms, toan improved method of making such covers, and to preferred apparatus forpractice of the method.

2. Statement of the Prior Art In prior US. Pat. No. 3,350,816, issuedNov. 7, I967, a machine for the fabrication of straight half sections ofinsulation covering for pipes and the like is shown. That machinery, andimproved adaptations of it, has proven of great utility in thefabrication of foam plastic and similar cellular materials intoinsulation covers. Heretofore, however, it was necessary to covernonlinear fittings and sections with covers either formed in moldingoperations or by wrapping procedures. These methods are not amendable tomass production practices and greatly increase production andinstallation costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present method, blocks of insulationmaterial are formed on cutting equipment, preferably of the abradingtype, in a sequence of operation which lends itself to rapid productionand to product uniformity. The invention as embodied in its method ofmanufacture, relates to the formation of interior cavities in desiredorientation and configuration corresponding to the shape of a fitting tobe covered, and to subsequent outer formation of the element tocorrespond to a general, enlarged outline form of the fitting consistentwith the dimensional characteristics of related insulation on straightsections of conduit.

A basic objective of the invention therefore resides in providing meansfor the shaping of plastic materials wherein the finished product is ofa form corresponding to the shape of an article to be associatedtherewith. Related to this basic objective is that of supplyingapparatus for the formation of blocks of material into fitting coversfor conduit fittings and the like.

Among the objectives of importance to the present invention is that ofproviding a. method of manufacture wherein a curved or angular channelis formed in a rectangular block in an abrading operation. In oneinstance, this channel formation involves the formation of sequentiallinear abrasions in one face of a block of raw material, withappropriately angled rotation of the block intermediate the formation ofthe individual abrasions. In another instance, the block is movedarcuately over an abrading means in said operation. The inventionfurther comprehends the forming of outer configurational requirementsthrough abrasion, the blocks being mounted in templates during suchoperation.

Another significant feature of the present invention concerns theprovision of new and novel abrading assemblies, including spindles,frames and template means for the controlled formation of materials inthe manner aforesaid.

Still another objective relates to the provision of means for movementof a block of raw material over an abrading surface for the purpose offorming an angular or curved channel therein, the means including apivoted guide template.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of thefollowing specification when readin conjunction with the annexeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view showing aportion of first FIG. 4 is a plan view of a finished section halffabricated from the blank of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a different type of cover made from ablank of the type shown in FIG. 3',

FIG. 6 is a sectional view through a medial section of the product ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of second apparatus within the scope of thisinvention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view showing the apparatus of FIG. 7 in a firstoperating position;

FIG. 9 is a second elevational view showing said apparatus in adifferent operating position;

FIG. I0 is a perspective view of a guide tempt template of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7, illustrating the 7operation of the invention in a second sequence, movement of thetemplate with respect to the remaining portions of the apparatus beingillustrated in the full-to-phantom line portions thereof;

FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the template shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. I3 is a top plan view of a third type of apparatus hereof;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 13 apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. I4, showing a different operatingposition of the apparatus;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of further template meanshereof;

FIG. I7 is an enlarged elevational view of a shaping element asassociated with the support means hereof; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the finished product made on theapparatus of FIGS. I3 through I7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawingsillustrate sequential steps of operation on a block of material 20leading to formation of a cover for a fitting in a conduit system-thefitting here being illustratively of T-form. It will be understood thatthe method of formation and the apparatus employed therein are readilyadaptable to other and different forms of fitting without substantialchange or modification. For further example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show theformation of a cover for a shaped L- fitting.

The initial blank 20 of insulation material is of rectangular or squareform and has been cut or otherwise preshaped to a selected size. Forpurposes of description, the blank as thus formed has sides 22 and frontand rear faces 24.

FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose first apparatus employed in the system of thisinvention Such apparatus comprises a work table 26 or a similar supporthaving a top surface 28 with an opening 30 formed therein. Projectingthrough the opening 30 is a spindle 32 which is constantly rotating whenthe apparatus is in operation, being powered by a suitable energy sourceof any known type. The spindle has a cutting element 34 fixed to thatportion thereof which projects above the top surface 28 of the table.The cutting element is preferably of the abrasive type having aplurality of cutting means thereon, and is shaped to conform to theconfiguration of a selected portion of the fitting to be covered. In theillustration, the cutting element is of substantially cylindrical form,having an enlarged top portion 36 tapering to an apex 38, and a reducedskirt 40. The skirt 40 corresponds to the diameter of the conduit perse, while the maximum diameter portion 36 is equivalent to that of thefitting. The curvature of the taper leading to the apex 38 is generallyakin to the curve of the fitting to be covered.

It is desirable that the discharge area adjacent to cutting area becovered. To this end, a housing 42, consisting 'of a top wall 44 and asidewall 46 is supplied. Opposite wall 46 the top wall is connected toan upstanding stop assembly 48. The assembly 48 includes a forward panelsection 50 with a base abutment 52, aligned laterally with substantiallythe midpoint of the cutting element 34.

A work holding bracket 54 comprises a vertical plate 56 having a basemember 58 and inner rigidifying structural members 60 and 62. Thebracket has hinge sleeves 64, 66

fixed to the member 60 and to the base member 58, respectively. Afurther hinge sleeve 68 extends from the housing sidewall 46 and isvertically in line with the sleeves 64 and 66. A hinge pin 70 extendsthrough the aligned sleeves, thereby hingedly connecting the bracket 54to the housing. A screw-type connection means secures the bracket in itsmount, and an actuating handle 72 may be supplied for the changing oradjustments of the bracket.

The inward dwell or extent of movement of the bracket with respect tothe cutting element is controlled by contact of the innermost edge 74 ofthe base member 58 with the abutment 52. If desired, a changeable screwmeans (not shown) may be interposed between the stop assembly 48 and thebracket for adjustment of the dwell.

As indicated in the drawings, the plate 56 is secured to the base member58 intermediate the leading and trailing edges of the latter. Theleading or intennost edge 74 has a semicircular recess 76 formedtherein, and a plate 56 has a slot 78 positioned over the recess. Theslot 78 is of a size such that the cutting element 34 is extendabletherethrough.

In operation, assuming that a cover for a T-fitting is to be made, ofthe type indicated in FIG. 4, the block 20 of fiberglas, polystyrene, orthe like is placed in a first position on the bracket, resting on theledge 80. formed thereby rearwardly of the plate 56. lndicia or othersuitable lateral positioning means on the plate may be employed toensure uniformity of the positioning of the block. The bracket, with ablock positioned thereon, is pivoted in the direction of the cuttingelement, whereby the cutting element forms a first indentation 82therein of a shape approximately one-half that of the element. Thebracket is then pivoted outwardly, and the block rotated substantially90 in either direction, the procedure being thereafter repeatedresulting in a second cut 84 which extends into or intercepts the firstcut. Then, the block is rotated substantially l80 and a third cut 86 isformed. The result is the formation of the T-cavity shown in FIG. 4. Itwill be observed that these areas of cut intercept at substantially theareas of taper of the cutting element or indentation indicated therebythe apex 38, whereby the shape of the finished cavity is a function ofthe form of the cutter. The cutter is changeable in the apparatus whereit is desired to alter the cavity shape, and a further example of thisis shown in FIGS. and 6. There, the block is formed to a half section ofcover for a fitting known as a shaped-L. A first cut 88 is initiallyformed followed by the imposition of a second cut 90 related to thefirst at substantially a right angle. Here the tapered sections of thecutter and the resulting indentations in the block are formed tointercept one another at a degree of curvature substantially equal tothat of the fitting to be covered.

The foregoing relates to a first method and apparatus for fabrication ofthe inside portion of the half section of fitting cover. For the sake ofappearance, and also for other functional reasons, it is often necessaryto shape the outside of the cover halves to a form approximately that ofthe fitting. FIGS. 7 through 12 of the drawings disclose preferred meansfor accomplishing the latter purpose.

In FIGS. 7 through 9, the exterior shaping means hereof is generallyidentified by reference numeral 100. The means 100 comprises a secondsupport 102 having an upper surface 104. (This may, in practice, be thesame support and surface as that described above, at a differentlocation thereon). Extending through an opening 106 in the support is arotatable shaft 108. The shaft projects upwardly from the surface andhas a second shaping element 110 mounted on its outer end portion. Theshaping element 110 has a top 112 and an inwardly disposed cutting area114, preferably coated with an abrasive substance. Mounted on the shaftbetween the surface 104 and a bottom 116 of the shaping element 110 isan annular bearing 1 18.

A housing 120, comprising sidewalls 122, 124 is disposed partially abovethe element 110, and has a top wall 126. The housing provides the meansto avoid scattering of scraps during the cutting or shaping operation.

The apparatus is concerned with the formation of a half section offitting cover after the initial operations on the blank effected by thefirst apparatus described above. For purposes of illustration of thissecond operation, the blank 20 shaped to the form shown in FIG. 5 forcovering a shaped-L fitting will be discussed. It will be clear fromthis description that other forms of fittings will be accommodated bymodifications of the configuration of the shaping element 110, and anovel guide template 128.

In the drawings, the template 128 will be seen to comprise a curvilinearbase 130 having flat upper and lower faces 132, I34. Positioning earsI36, 138 extend from the upper face 132 at spaced intervals andsubstantially 90 angular relation to one another. Mounted between theseears is a half section of pipe fitting, in the illustrated example ashaped-L with an enlarged central section 140 and reduced ends 142. Theblank 20 has cuts 88 and 90 therein collectively forming a recess toreceive and frictionally grip the fitting portion 140 and 142. The sideedges 22 of the blank fit between the positioning ears. The templatebase 130 has guide edges 144, 146, and the blank 20, when mounted on thetemplate as suggested by the foregoing, has its corner portionsextendedoutwardly thereof as shown at 148 and 150 in FIG. 7.

In the completion of the shaping operation on the blank 20, the templateand blank are brought into contact with the element 110-the lower face134 being held in flush relation to the upper surface 104. The innerguide edge 144, when in contact with the housing 118, limits the inwardmovement of the template and therefore the action of the cutting orabrading surface 114 on the blank 20. This limitation is such that theblank is altered by removal of the corner portion 148. The template isthen reversed and brought into contact with the abrading surface I I4 inan are like motion (FIG. 11) again to the depth of the guide edge 146.This causes removal of the comer portion 150, as a consequence of whichthe outer surface is 'formed in a semicircular form approximating theouter form of the L. This semicircular form approximating closely thatof the positioning ears 136 and 138, and ti will be noted that thesections of the base exterior of the positioning ears provides handlemeans for the manual imposition of the template into cutting relation tothe element 110. The ears further limit the cut and avoid unwantedremoval of material.

FIGS. 13 through 18 in the drawings illustrate the second form of meansfor the interior shapingof a half section of fitting cover. This form ofthe invention is particularly applicable to the formation of a smooth Lcovering, that is, one in which the curvature is of uniform sectionaldimension throughout.

As in the previously described forms of the invention, the

apparatus 200 comprises a support 202 of suitable type. The support 202has a flat working surface 204 with an opening 206 therein. The rotatingshaft 208 mounted in a collet 210 projects through and above the surface204. A cutting or shaping head 212 is fixed on the shaft, and has anabrasive outer surface 214 or the equivalent thereof. The head 212 is ofa diametric sectional shape and dimension substantially equal to thearea to be cut or removed from a blank of material in the formation of asmooth L, or the like.

Secured on the support 202 adjacent the head 212 is a bracket 216. Thebracket includes a pedestal 218 extending from a base 220. The base 220is connected on the surface 204 by fastening means 222. An arm 224projects outwardly from the distal extremity of the pedestal, and has anopening 226 formed in its outer end. A pin 228 having an enlarged head230 extends through said opening. The pin is of a length such that it isextendable into a bore or opening 232 in the support 202.

Guide template means 234 is shown disassembled from the remainder of theapparatus in FIG. 16. The means includes a pivot member 236 of generallytriangular form having an apex section 238 with an aperture 240 formedtherein. The member 236 has a rounded edge 242. Two right angularlyarranged,

spaced apart bridging 'members 244 extend from pivot including angularlyintersecting channel portions comprising:

l Channel shapin means including:

a first support avlng a substantially planar upper surface,

the support having an opening formed therein;

member. Each of the bridging members is of arcuate, 5 a p f p j f p ythrough Said Opening and semicircular form, having a concave lower edge246 and a havlnsashapms elemFm thereon; convex outer edge 248. An outerarcuate brace member 250 the shapmg element g of a form approxlmatlngthe extends between the outer ends of the bridging members, the h of thechannel Pomohs; brace member having a concave edge 252 facing the edge242 means the PP hl' l f h Shapmg of the pivot member and paralleltherewith. The outer edge l0 e m to control the pp of the msulatlonmater- 2 4 f the brace is convex ml in respect to the shaping element;

As best illustrated in FIG. 13, the pivot member is Exterior Shapmg h tconnected to the pin 228 in such manner that the guide aseeehd Supporthevhg ah epehthg 'h template is pivotal about the pin as its axis. Thespacing rotat'hg Shaft {mans extending through 531d Opening; between theedges 252 and 252, and the form and height of 5 a second shapthg elementeh Shaft eta fehh to shape the edges 246 is such that the template ispivotal over and Substahhahy ehe'hatt of e outer Surtaee of the halfabout the shaping element head 212. A blank of material 256 9 uponcontact lherewltht (the outer surface 258 of which is shaped to desiredbeefing means oh the Shaft the beahhg means behg configuration, H0. 18,either before or after the operation mterpesed et the Second Shaplhgelement and thereon by the apparatus 200) is mounted in the guidetheseeehd Support; and template, with its ends 260, 262 engaged betweenthe bridging m A gthde template: members 244. The assembly is thenpivoted over the head a e t havthg a base portlon wtth upper and lower212, resulting in formation of an arcuate channel 264 in the Stdestblank a half section of the fitting cover pro ecting from the Thevarious section halves formed as described above are PP h related at thetime of manufacture in matched pairs, and may peslttehthgears extehd'hgupwatdty m the be temporarily prejoined in such pairs by the applicationof a on eppostte ends of the half Seettoh of the fitt'hg cover;removable tape or mastic thereto. ln permanent installations, and amorelasting type of tape or mastic is employed in joining the the baeehavthg'e edges ether thereof section heads together about the fitting'to becovered. eehtaehhg, beefing meahs' Having described and illustratedseveral embodiments of Apparatus h a system for the shepmg of PY forthis invention in some detail, it will be understood that these 'h ofeehdtht assembhes'. the eovers eomphsmg h descriptions and illustrationshave been offered mainly by way seetlohs, formed to engage Pat's aboutthe htthgs of example, and that the invention is to limited in scopeonly eomphemgt by the appended claims. exterior shaplng means lncludmg asupport havlng an claim; openlng therein;

1. Apparatus in a system for the shaping of covers for retatthg Shaftmeahs'extehdlhg through Satd epehmg; fittings of conduit assemblies, thecovers comprising half a element on Send shaft of a form to ShapeSections formed to engage in pairs abom the fittings and substantiallyone-half of the outer surface of the half including angularlyintersecting channel portions comprising: 40 seettoh upon contacttherew'th;

1 Channel shaping means including: bearing means on the shaft, thebearing means being a first support having a substantially planar uppersurface, 'hterpoeed Y h Shap'hg element and the suppet'ti the supporthaving an opening formed therein; a gu de template including a templatehaving a base portlon a spindle projecting upwardly through said openingand e and lower ,Stdesi having a shaping element thereon; a half sectionof the fittlng cover pro ectlng from the upper the shaping element beingof a form approximating the 'tt form of the channel pomons; posltlon ngears extending upwardly from the upper side on Stop means on the upperSurface adjacent Said Shaping opposlte ends of thehalf section of thefitting cover; and

element to limit the positioning of insulation material in the e 'hgthde edges on I ether thereof respect to the Shaping element;contacting said bearlng means. Exterior shaping means, including:Apparatus m a system for the shaping of covers for asecond Supporthaving an openingtherein; fittlngs of conduit assemblles, the coverscomprising half rotating shaft means extending through said opening; e htermed e engage m Paths about th httthgs and a second shaping element onsaid shaft of a form to shape thelud'hg thtehseetthg ehehhe] pehttohseemphsthg:

substantially one-half of the outer surface of the half channel shapthgmeans 'heluthhg first Support t' a Section upon Contact therewith;substantlally planar upper surface, the support havlng an bearing meanson the shaft, the bearing means being epemhg fehhedthetelhi interposedbetween the second shaping element and a spthdte preleehhg upwardlythrough Sate epehhg and the second Suppon; and v v havlng a shapingelement thereon; m A guide tempate: the shaping element belng of a formapproxlmatlng the form a template having a base portion with upper andlower of the ehahhel portlon;

Sides; a template plvotally mounted on the support and havlng a halfsection of the fitting cover projecting from the gagg d for hotdmg ablock of mammal to be u r g ears extending upwardly from the upper Side5 the template belngplvotal on sald support to a posltlon on oppositeends of the half Section of the fining cover; ad acent the shaplngelement so that theshaplng element and is arranged to lie wlthln thepath of pivoting movement of the base having guide edges on either sidethereof the template; and 1 contacting said hearing means stop means onthe uppe r su rface ad acent said shaplng Apparatus in a system for theShaping of covers for element to llmlt the positioning of the materialin respect to the shaping element.

fittings of conduit assemblies, the covers comprising half sectionsfon'ned to engage in pairs about the fittings and

1. Apparatus in a system for the shaping of covers for fittings ofconduit assemblies, the covers comprising half sections formed to engagein pairs about the fittings and including angularly intersecting channelportions comprising: I Channel shaping means including: a first supporthaving a substantially planar upper surface, the support having anopening formed therein; a spindle projecting upwardly through saidopening and having a shaping element thereon; the shaping element beingof a form approximating the form of the channel portions; stop means onthe upper surface adjacent said shaping element to limit the positioningof insulation material in respect to the shaping element; II Exteriorshaping means, including: a second support having an opening therein;rotating shaft means extending through said opening; a second shapingelement on said shaft of a form to shape substantially one-half of theouter surface of the half section upon contact therewith; bearing meanson the shaft, the bearing means being interposed between the secondshaping element and the second support; and III A guide template: atemplate having a base portion with upper and lower sides; a halfsection of the fitting cover projecting from the upper side; positioningears extending upwardly from the upper side on opposite ends of the halfsection of the fitting cover; and the base having guide edges on eitherside thereof contacting said bearing means.
 2. Apparatus in a system forthe shaping of covers for fittings of conduit assemblies, the coverscomprising half sections formed to engage in pairs about the fittingsand including angularly intersecting channel portions comprising: IChannel shaping means including: a first support having a substantiallyplanar upper surface, the support having an opening formed therein; aspindle projecting upwardly through said opening and having a shapingelement thereon; the shaping element being of a form approximating theform of the channel portions; limit means on the upper surface adjacentthe shaping element to control the position of the insulation materialin respect to the shaping element; II Exterior shaping means, including:a second support having an opening therein; rotating shaft meansextending through said opening; a second shaping element on said shaftof a form to shape substantially one-half of the outer surface of thehalf section upon contact therewith; bearing means on the shaft, thebearing means being interposed between the second shaping element andthe second support; and III A guide template: a template having a baseportion with upper and lower sides; a half section of the fitting coverprojecting from the upper side; positioning ears extending upwardly fromthe upper side on opposite ends of the half section of the fittingcover; and the base having guide edges on either side thereof contactingsaid bearing means.
 3. Apparatus in a system for the shaping of coversfor fittings of conduit assemblies, the covers comprising half sectionsformed to engage in pairs about the fittings comprising: exteriorshaping means including a support having an opening therein; rotatingshaft means extending through said opening; a shaping element on saidshaft of a form to shape substantially one-half of the outer surface ofthe half section upon contact therewith; bearing means on the shaft, thebearing means being interposed between the shaping element and thesupport; a guide template including a template having a base portionwith upper and lower sides; a half section of the fitting coverprojecting from the upper side; positioning ears extending upwardly fromthe upper side on opposite ends of the half section of the fittingcover; and the base having guide edges on either side thereof contactingsaid bearing means.
 4. Apparatus in a system for the shaping of coversfor fittings of conduit assemblies, the covers comprising half sectionsformed to engage in pairs about the fittings and including intersectingchannel portions comprising: channel shaping means including a firstsupport having a substantially planar upper surface, the support havingan opening formed therein; a spindle projecting upwardly through saidopening and having a shaping element thereon; the shaping element beingof a form approximating the form of the channel portion; a templatepivotally mounted on the support and having means thereon for holding ablock of material to be shaped; the template being pivotal on saidsupport to A position adjacent the shaping element so that the shapingelement is arranged to lie within the path of pivoting movement of thetemplate; and stop means on the upper surface adjacent said shapingelement to limit the positioning of the material in respect to theshaping element.